Atlanta Falcons: Analyzing reported general manager candidate finalists
Former Las Vegas Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie
One of the more recognizable names on the list of candidates to be considered for Atlanta’s general manager position is Miami Dolphins’ current senior personnel executive, Reggie McKenzie.
McKenzie is a strong candidate to take over the the front office with the Falcons in 2021 and beyond solely based on his experience in the NFL and in various front offices for over 25 years.
The 57-year-old executive began his football career in 1985 when he played as a linebacker for the Los Angeles Raiders (1985-88), Phoenix Cardinals (1989-90), Montreal Machine (1992) and San Fransisco 49ers (1992) before retiring.
He later joined the ranks of various front offices in the NFL, beginning with taking over as pro personnel assistant for the Green Bay Packers from 1994-96. He went on to hold titles of pro personnel director from 1997-2007 and director of football operations (2008-11) in Green Bay before moving on.
Most notably, McKenzie served as the general manager of the Oakland Raiders from 2012-18, where he helped build the roster that was highlighted by a 12-4 record in 2016 and reaching the team’s only postseason appearance since 2002. During that stretch with the Raiders, McKenzie drafted players such as quarterback Derek Carr, pass rusher Khalil Mack and wide receiver Amari Cooper.
After being fired by Oakland in 2018, McKenzie joined the Dolphins in 2019 where he currently serves as senior personnel executive in Miami.
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When it comes to someone with experience in various roles and someone who could step right in and pick things up in Atlanta, McKenzie is a solid candidate to consider and the Falcons are reportedly doing just that.